Disability issue: Development or charity?

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a worldwide annual commemoration authorised by United Nations to focus on the theme of "removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all." This day was first observed on December 3, 1992 as "International Day of Disabled Persons."
It is no secret that the number of persons with disabilities has noticeably increased worldwide in the past decade. A UN report says that over one billion people, approximately 15% of the world's population, have some form of disability. Besides, persons with disabilities are considered as the world's most marginalised people, whose needs, beliefs and concerns are not acknowledged by society. In this context, accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities are established as fundamental rights recognised by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) that give an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being. Hence, UN organisations, governments, civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities work together to implement the UN development agenda to promote the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development, along with legal acts for ensuring human rights like free and appropriate compulsory education. It is internationally acknowledged that disability is a development concern.
In relation to the worldwide present scenario of disability concern, what about the persons with disabilities in Bangladesh?
Keep pace with other countries of the world the people of Bangladesh also take part in various ways to observe IDPD. Events ranging from grand rallies to policymakers' participation in awareness-raising programmes make the day memorable. In accordance with international commitments and legal acts, and in order to uplift the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities into the community, the Bangladesh government has taken initiatives through the National Action Plan as well as Education Policy 2010 of the Ministry of Education.
Regarding disability, the plan and policy focus on the overall development and improvement of social and educational inclusion of persons with disabilities. But it is disappointing that the development as well as educational programmes for these persons still remain under the Ministry of Social Welfare. It indicates that the educational issue of these persons is being considered as welfare or a charity rather than a development issue.
Bangladesh is a country with massive human resources, but most of them are extremely poor. The development of such a country fully depends on the best utilisation of its resources. But the persons with disabilities face stigma and prejudice and are confronted with significant barriers in realising their fundamental human rights. Though the Ministry of Education is responsible for the education of these people there are very few schools run by the government. Most of the schools are run by non-government organisations.
Special provisions for education of persons with disabilities are very costly, and beyond the financial capabilities of a densely populated and least developed country like Bangladesh. Hence, in order to re-affirm the vision of Education for All (EFA) as well as Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the government tries to ensure education by creating scope and opportunities for every citizen. The government has taken initiatives for reformation of the disability welfare act 2001, which is a very positive step. It is important to perceive and realise the situation of the individual beyond his/her disability and appreciate each person as an individual. Thus, persons with disabilities have the right to learn and enjoy their other basic rights with full opportunities in the society. Moreover, these persons have many unique strengths and specific talents in certain areas, such as communication, use of community resources, academic ability, personal safety, social skills, self-care, independent living, and health care.
In spite of poverty, lack of awareness and understanding, and lack of accessibility, social inclusion as a cross-cutting development issue remains an obstacle in the achievement of progress and development through the MDGs as well as other internationally agreed outcomes like EFA.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2012 is a day with lots of hope, inspiration, awareness and commitment. Thus, this celebration offers an opportunity to address the exclusion by focusing on encouraging accessibility and removing all types of barriers in society.

The writer is Assistant Professor and Chairman, Department of Special Education, Institute of Education and Research (IER), University of Dhaka.